Low Sodium Minestrone Soup

Minestrone is a thick, hearty soup that usually contains vegetables, pasta, and peas or beans. This version uses unsalted chicken broth and fresh tomatoes rather than canned tomatoes to limit the sodium content.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 4 cups fat-free, unsalted chicken broth
• 2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• 1 can (16 ounces or about 1 1/2 cups) canned chickpeas or red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup uncooked whole-grain small shell pasta
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and carrots and saute until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and continue cooking for another minute. Stir in broth, tomatoes, spinach, beans and pasta. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add zucchini. Cover and cook for 5 minutes more.

Remove from heat and stir in the basil. Ladle into individual bowls and serve immediately.